System for fixing a tap

ABSTRACT

A system for fixing a tap ( 10 ) to the plane ( 11 ) of a washbasin, tap ( 10 ) provided with at least one water inlet ( 101 ) and a seat ( 102 ) to house the upper end of a threaded rod ( 2 ) intended to pass through a hole ( 14 ) of the plane ( 11 ) and an underlying fixing plate ( 3 ) to be fixed by means of screw means arranged screwed on the rod ( 2 ) with screwing direction directed upwards i.e. against the fixing plate ( 3 ) for clamping said plane ( 11 ) between the plate ( 3 ) and the base of the tap ( 103 ) arranged above the plane ( 11 ); the system ( 1 ) comprises a tubular element ( 5 ) which can be fitted on said threaded rod ( 2 ) and manual gripping means ( 4; 55; 61; 63; 70; 73 ) acting on the screw means so as to push the tubular element ( 5 ) against said plate ( 3 ).

The present invention relates to a system for fixing a tap to a washbasin or to another sanitary fixture, a tubular element usable for the realization of this system and a kit for the realization of a system for fixing a tap.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a possible embodiment of a system for fixing a tap to the washbasin in its known configuration. The systems currently on the market comprise a threaded rod (324 in the figures) passing through a hole (312) provided on the plane (310) of the washbasin. The rod (324) is screwed, in its upper end, in a corresponding threaded seat presented below by the base of the tap (300). More precisely, the base of the tap is placed on the washbasin plane with the interposition of a gasket (328) that surrounds the through hole of the washbasin plane. On the opposite side, under the plane of the washbasin, there is provided a mounting plate (318) which in the example is shaped like a horseshoe and is provided with a hole (325) crossed by the threaded rod (324). The plate (318) with its arms (320) also wraps the pipes (316) that bring the water to the tap. A gasket (not shown in the drawings) can also be provided between the plate and the lower face of the washbasin.

The tap is fixed by means of a nut (326) which is screwed onto the threaded rod (325) with a wrench until, moving upwards in the screwing motion, reach the plate (318) and pushes it against the lower face of the plane (310) of the washbasin, thus blocking the tap.

One of the drawbacks of the known tap fixing systems is that to install and disassemble the tap, or even simply to better tighten the fixing in case of loosening, it is necessary to operate below the sink, near the lower face of the washbasin, in an area that is usually not easily accessible.

The difficulties for assembly and disassembly the tap, due to the not easy position in which it is necessary to operate, are increased for the possible presence of oxidation and/or material deposits for which are often used solvents and/or detergents that can be harmful.

An attempt to solve the aforementioned drawbacks is represented by the system described in FR2525296A1, shown in FIG. 3, in which a threaded rod (18 in the drawing) can be screwed and unscrewed operating from above, i.e. from the upper part (11 a) of the plane (11) of the washbasin. However, this solution has the drawback of requiring the execution of a through hole (20) which crosses the body of the tap (10), with evident disadvantages from the manufacturing point of view and due to the aesthetic effect provided which is not appreciable.

US2012/325336 relates to a system for facilitating the fixing of a sanitary to a surface of a piece of furniture. The system shown in US2012/325336 provides a first threaded rod which extends downwards on which a second rod is screwed with the possible use of an adapter. On the second rod is fitted a tubular element which must then be associated with the whole complex formed by the first and second rod by means of a nut to be screwed on the second rod with a wrench or similar tool.

EP3284961A1 relates to a system for fixing sanitary fixtures using a through hole provided on the same fixtures. In particular, EP3284961A1 relates to a nut which has an internal seat divided into two parts: a first threaded part which extends for about 50% of the internal circumference of the nut and a second non-threaded portion which extends for the rest part of the internal circumference of the nut. The system of EP3284961A1 speeds up the nut movement along the threaded bolt but needs a wrench for its tightening/loosening.

Another drawback of the known fastening systems is that these always require the use of a tool such as, for example, a wrench, even when the necessary operations would be only the screwing of a nut. In other words, even for the execution of an operation that could be relatively simple, a tool compatible with the size and shape of the nut to be screwed is required.

A further drawback of the known fixing systems is that the tightening nut is screwed onto the threaded rod substantially in contact with the lower face of the sink surface, in correspondence with the hole under the tap. This configuration often determines the formation of incrustations due to the liquids that in that area can come into contact with the same nut and with the portion of rod on which it is screwed.

An aim of the present invention is to provide a fixing system suitable to solve the drawbacks mentioned above.

This result has been achieved in accordance with the innovation by adopting the idea of realizing a fixing system, a tubular element and a kit having the characteristics described in the independent claims. Other features are described in the dependent claims.

Among the advantages of the present invention can be listed at least the following: the first installation and the replacement of the tap are extremely eased, as well as the adjustment in case of loosening; the fixing system can also be used by users who are not particularly skilled in plumbing works thanks to the simplicity of the components that make it up; it is possible to fix the tap to the washbasin without using tools; the system is suitable for equipping all of the taps which until now have been traditionally fixed by means of the threaded rod; the tap installation and maintenance operations are advantageously improved thanks to the moving away of the actual working point from the closest part of the sink surface, an area notoriously difficult to access; moreover, thanks to the downward movement of the area in which it operates, the working conditions are improved in the event of oxidation and scale; the downward displacement of the tightening zone allows to eliminate or at least reduce the use of solvents and/or detergents, with consequent improvement of the impact on the environment and on whoever carries out the maintenance of the tap; in one of its embodiments the system can occupy a relatively small encumbrance and be contained in small packs, also supplied together with the taps in the relative packs; the fixing system is relatively simple to manufacture and with extremely low costs with respect to the advantages provided and keeps its conditions substantially unchanged over time.

These and further advantages and characteristics of the present invention will be better understood by each person skilled in the art from the following description and with the help of the attached drawings, given as a practical example of the invention, but not to be considered in a limiting sense, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a fixing system of known type, represented respectively in a perspective view (FIG. 1) and in a side view with parts in section (FIG. 2);

FIG. 3 is a side view with parts in section of another fixing system of known type;

FIG. 4 relates to a possible embodiment of the present invention schematically shown in a side view with parts in section or removed;

FIG. 5 shows schematically in a bottom view a base of a tap;

FIG. 6 relates to a possible embodiment of a knob usable for tightening the fastening system, shown schematically on the left in a side view and on the right in a plan view;

FIG. 7 is a schematic side view showing a possible embodiment of three elements that make up the fixing system in question;

FIG. 8 is a side view, with a particular also enlarged and reproduced with parts cut away and others in cross section, which schematically shows another embodiment of two elements that make up the fastening system in question;

FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of another embodiment of the base of a tap which can be made according to the invention;

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a possible embodiment which provides only two elements for composing the fixing system in question;

FIG. 11 is a schematic side view of two possible embodiments of the base of a tap which can be made according to the invention;

FIG. 12 is a schematic side view, with a detail also shown in plan view, relating to a possible method of fixing a threaded rod to the base of the tap;

FIGS. 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 relate to a possible example of embodiment of the invention in which the association between a tubular element and a threaded rod is made by means of a threaded body inserted inside of the tubular element; in particular, FIGS. 13 and 14 represent, respectively in a side view with parts in transparency (FIG. 13) and in a plan view from below with parts removed (FIG. 14), a possible example of embodiment of a knob to be fixed to the tubular element to facilitate screwing/unscrewing operations on the threaded rod; FIG. 15 is a schematic side view with parts in section and others removed of a possible embodiment of the tubular element, FIG. 16 is a schematic side view with parts in section and other parts removed of a possible embodiment of a threaded rod, and FIG. 17 is a schematic side view with parts in section and other parts removed of a possible example of realization of the tubular element fixed to the threaded rod;

FIGS. 18 and 19 show another possible example of embodiment of the invention, in which a knob to be fixed to the tubular element is shown and represented, respectively, in a schematic side view with parts in section and others removed in a phase preceding the association with the tubular element (FIG. 18) and in a schematic front view with parts in section and others removed in which it is fixed to the tubular element, the latter only partially represented (FIG. 19);

FIGS. 20, 21 and 22 relate to a further possible embodiment of the invention in which the association between a tubular element and a threaded rod is made by means of a threaded body inserted inside the tubular element; in particular, FIG. 20 is a schematic side view with parts in section and others removed of a possible example of embodiment of the tubular element and of an operating pin that can be used to rotate the tubular element in the screwing/unscrewing operations with respect to the threaded rod, FIG. 21 is a schematic side view, with parts in section and others cut away, of a possible example of realization of the threaded rod, and FIG. 22 is a schematic side view with parts in section and others cut away of a possible example of realization of the tubular element fixed to the threaded rod;

FIG. 23 relates to another possible example of embodiment of the invention in which the association between a tubular element and a threaded rod is made by means of a threaded body inserted inside the tubular element; FIG. 23 is a schematic side view with parts in section and others removed of a possible example of embodiment of the tubular element and of a manoeuvring pin that can be used to rotate the tubular element in the screwing/unscrewing operations with respect to the threaded rod; in particular, in FIG. 23, the manoeuvring pin has been represented two times in order to show the two possible configurations that the pin can take with respect to the tubular element;

FIG. 24 is a schematic side view with parts removed of a further embodiment of a knob to be fixed to the tubular element to facilitate manual screwing/unscrewing operations; in the drawing the knob is represented in a configuration in which it is fixed to the tubular element;

FIGS. 25, 26 and 27 show another possible embodiment of a knob to be fixed to the tubular element, represented, respectively, in a front view with parts removed in association with the tubular element (FIG. 25), in a front view without the tubular element (FIG. 26) and in a side view without the tubular element (FIG. 27);

the FIGS. 28 A, 28B and 29 show another possible embodiment of a threaded body which can be inserted inside the tubular element with the possibility of being arranged in different positions along the longitudinal development of the same tubular element; FIG. 28A is a front view with parts removed of the threaded body in association with the tubular element, FIG. 28B is a front and partial view with parts removed of the tubular element in the phase of association with the threaded rod, FIG. 29 is a partial view on an enlarged scale with parts removed and parts in section of the threaded body in association with the tubular element and with the threaded rod;

FIG. 30 is a schematic side view with parts in section and parts removed of a possible embodiment of the tubular element which, in this embodiment, can be telescopically extended;

FIG. 31 is a schematic side view with parts removed of a possible embodiment of a knob which is fixed to the tubular element by means of screw means;

FIGS. 32 and 33 are, respectively, a side view with parts removed and a section view according to the line A-A of FIG. 32 of a further possible example of embodiment of the tubular element in which the same element is provided with a suitable internal hexagonal bush to unscrew a nut possibly present on a threaded rod;

FIGS. 34 and 35 are two schematic side views with parts removed which illustrate a possible use of the fixing system of the present invention in which an already mounted tap is fixed; in particular, FIG. 34 shows a threaded rod on which a nut is screwed, nut which has become loose and FIG. 35 shows a fixing system according to the invention mounted on the same rod without intervening on the nut already present;

FIG. 36 is a schematic side view with parts removed relating to a further example of embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 37 is a schematic side view of a tubular element (which in this case has a hexagonal section) and two possible examples of realization of fittings to connect the system in question to existing nuts that are fixed to corresponding threaded rods;

FIG. 38 is a schematic side view with parts removed of an internally threaded bush according to different threads so as to adapt to the screwing of threaded rods of different pitch. With reference to the examples of the attached drawings, a fixing system (1) realized according to the present invention can be used for fixing a tap (10) to the surface (11) of a washbasin. The tap (10) is provided with at least one inlet (101) for water and with a seat (102) to house the upper end (27) of a threaded rod (2).

In the example shown, since the tap is a mixer, the inlets (101) for the water provided on the base (103) of the tap (10) are two, one for cold water, the other for hot water.

The rod (2) is intended to pass through a hole (14) of the plane (11) and an underlying mounting plate (3) in order to be fixed by screw means (4) arranged screwed onto the rod (2) and having screwing direction directed upwards i.e. against the fixing plate (3) to clamp the plane (11) between the same plate (3) and the base of the tap (103) located above the plane (11).

The rod (2) is threaded at least at the two ends.

According to the present invention, the fixing system (1) comprises a tubular element (5) which can be fitted on the threaded rod (2) and shaped so as to be pushed by means of screw means (4, 54) against the plate (3) so as to perform the fixing of the tap (10) by moving downwards the screwing point by a value corresponding to the length of the tubular element (5), i.e. in an area far from the plate (3). The tubular element (5) has been represented with a circular cross section; it is understood that the conformation of the tubular element (5) may in any case be different from that of the drawings, for example with a polygonal section as in the example of FIG. 37.

In particular, the tubular element (5) can be internally smooth or it can be internally threaded in its lower portion (54). If the tubular element (5) is internally smooth, it can be fitted on the rod (2) and the thrust towards the plate (3) is determined by separate screw means (4) such as those visible in FIGS. 4, 6 and 7. In the case in which the tubular element (5) is internally threaded in its lower portion (54), as in the example of FIG. 10, it is the same lower portion (54) of the element (2) to constitute the screw means that push the element (2) towards the plate (3).

In practice, with reference to the examples in which the element (2) is internally smooth, the tubular element (5) has an internal diameter (D5) greater than the external diameter (D2) of the rod (2) so as to be fitted on the latter and a length (L5) less than that of the rod (2) so that when the same element (5) is fitted on the rod (2) at least a lower portion (28) of the latter comes out of the same element (5). The tubular element (5) defines a sort of strut which is subjected to compression by the thrust determined by the screwing of the screw means (4) along the rod (2). The lower end (50) of the tubular element (5) is in contact with the upper face of the screw means (4), while the upper end (51) of the tubular element (5) is in contact with the bottom face of the fixing plate (3).

A similar function of strut is also achieved by the solution in which the element (2) is provided with internal thread (54). In this case, the tubular element (5), with the exception of the threaded lower portion (54), has an internal diameter (D5) slightly greater than the external diameter (D2) of the rod (2) so as to be fitted on this last until the threaded portion (54) is screwed onto the same rod (2). In this case, the length (L5) of the element (5) is lower than that of the rod (2) so that when said threaded portion (54) is screwed on the rod (2) at least one lower portion (28) of the latter comes out of the element (5) itself.

In both cases, the screwing of the screw means (4, 54) can be done by hand, without the need for tools and only the threaded rod (2) is inserted inside the tubular element (5). The fixing plate (3) can have a substantially conventional conformation, i.e. horseshoe-shaped, or it can take other convenient forms which in any case allow to provide the same function. Furthermore, as shown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 8, the plate (3) can be made in a single body with the tubular element (5) so as to guarantee its function in any case. In the example of FIG. 8, the open portion of the plate (3) intended for the passage of the rod (2) has been marked with (30). In this example passages have not been represented for the tubes that carry the water to the tap.

The screw means (4) can be differently shaped. For example, in FIG. 4 the screw means consist of a ring (4) having an internal thread complementary to that of the threaded rod (2) and a radial extension of sufficient width to exceed the internal diameter of the tubular element (5) so to define an abutment plate for the latter. The external surface is shaped according to a section so as to allow a better grip for starting and unscrewing operations without the need for any tools.

In the example of FIG. 6, the screw means consist of a sleeve provided with an internal thread (40) complementary to that of the threaded rod (2) to allow screwing/unscrewing; moreover, the sleeve is formed by a cylindrical body (41) from which a plurality of fins (42) are projected which improve the manual grip.

In the example of FIG. 7, the screw means consist of a ring (4) having an internal thread (40) complementary to that of the threaded rod (2) and a radial extension of width (D4) sufficient to exceed the diameter inside of the tubular element (5) in order to define a stop for the latter. The outer surface is knurled or provided with recesses for the fingers, in order to allow a better grip for the screwing and unscrewing operations that can be manually performed. In a possible embodiment, the threaded rod (2) comprises at least two portions (2′, 2″) provided with means of mutual association (29) which allow to form a single element. In the non-limiting example of FIG. 8, such means of mutual association (29) are constituted by a bushing having internally threaded which is complementary to the two portions (2′, 2″) forming the rod (2). The bush (29) has a cross section (D29) of suitable diameter to allow its insertion into the tubular element (5). In practice, the rod (2) can slide inside the tubular element (5). The enlarged detail of FIG. 8 shows a possible example of realization of the bush (29) which, in this case, is provided with two portions (29A, 29B) having different threads (P29 A, P29B) so as to adapt to the screwing threaded rods of different pitch.

In another possible embodiment, two portions (2′) and (2″) having different threads can be provided. For example, the portion (2″) arranged at the bottom can have a complementary thread with the screw means (4, 54, 59) presented by the fixing system (1), while the portion (2′) arranged at the top can have a thread complementary with the specific tap to be equipped; in this case the bushing (29) connecting the two portions (2′, 2″) will have two threads so as to constitute a reducer. In this way, the system (1) is able to equip any type of faucet because the upper portion (2′) of the linkage (2) will be complementarily coupled with the specific tap, unaltered prejudice the other parts of the system (1).

A possible example of realization of a bush (29) suitable for connecting threaded rods provided with threads having different diameters or different pitches is shown schematically in FIG. 38. In this example, the bush (29) is provided with at least two portions, four in the example (29A, 29B, 29C, 29D), having the respective internal threads of different diameters. The differentiation between the various portions can be determined by the internal diameter provided with the thread or by the pitch of the same thread. In this way it is possible to equip substantially all the typology of threaded rods used for fixing taps.

Obviously, the stable association of two or more portions of rod to form a single body can be carried out differently.

Still with reference to the example of FIG. 8, also the tubular element (5) can be formed by two or more portions (5′, 5″) which can be fitted on said threaded rod (2) so as to form a single element. In this case, means of association between the two portions (5′, 5″) may also be not provided since if the two portions have the same diameter (internal and external) they can be fitted in succession along the longitudinal development of the rod (2), to be kept together thanks to the correspondence of the conformation of the parts in contact. Alternatively, to improve the connection between the two parts (5′, 5″), a “cup” connection element (56) can be provided, formed by a cylindrical body that can be fitted on the lower part (5″) and on that part arranged at the top (5′) and provided with a septum (57) on which the part arranged at the top (5′) rests.

As previously stated, the threaded rod (2) is screwed into its upper end (27) to the base (103) of the tap (10). The rod (2) is screwed into a seat (102) which is directly provided in the body of the base (103) of the tap (10) or which can be presented by a plate (130), as shown in the example of FIG. 11, where two possible variants are represented. In the variant shown on the left, the plate (130) has a smaller diameter than the base (103) and is accommodated below it inside a peripheral edge (131) of the base and fixed, for example, by means of screws; the screw axes are indicated by the reference (114). In the variant shown on the right, the plate (130) has a diameter equal to the base (103) and is arranged below it and fixed, for example, by means of screws; also in this case the screw axes are indicated by the reference (114). As an alternative to fixing with screws, the plate (130) can be screwed to the tap body (10) by means of a pre-existing thread, both male and female. The plate (130) allows the use of this fixing system also for the taps which normally do not have a seat (102) for the reception of the threaded rod (2).

FIG. 12 shows a further possible example of embodiment of the fixing of the upper end (27) of the rod (2) to the base (103) of the tap (10). In this example there is provided a nut (9) provided with an internal thread (90) complementary to that of the rod (2) so as to more firmly lock the rod (2) to the base (103) once the upper end (27) is inserted in the seat (102). The system (1) in question may provide further characteristics relating to the connections with the water supply systems, both cold and hot.

In the drawing of FIG. 4, the base (103) of the tap (10) has an inlet (101) provided with a female thread (111) into which a corresponding male end (105) of a fitting (104) is screwed. This type of connection is substantially analogous to the traditional one and provides the other end (106) of the fitting (104) shaped as female and idle to rotate so that it can be screwed onto the corresponding flexible connection of the water supply system which is usually protruding from a wall (not shown in the drawings).

In another embodiment, schematically represented in FIG. 9, the input (or inputs in the case of mixer) for the water (101) can be provided with a fitting (113) that protrudes downward from the base (103) of the faucet to lower the point at which a water inlet tube (104) is screwed to or the same input (101).

The protruding fitting (113) of FIG. 9 is male-shaped and a female end of a flexible water supply hose (104), preferably of the idle swivel type, can be screwed onto it. In this way, it is possible to unscrew the supply pipe (104) without having to disconnect the other end connected to the supply system connection (provided on the wall). Alternatively, the fitting (113) can itself be provided with means capable of making it swivel idle, thus creating a connection which allows the respective feeding tube (104) to be screwed and unscrewed without having to detach the other end of the tube (104) from the wall attachment.

The present invention therefore also relates to a tubular element (5) made as described above and/or shown in the drawings, a tubular element (5) which can have, for example and not limited to, a length of between 10 and 45 cm; in a non-limiting example for applications in washbasins it can have a length of about 26 cm, while in another non-limiting example for low sanitary applications it can have a length of about 18 cm. Furthermore, the length of the possible portions into which the rod (2) and the tubular element (5) are divided can be chosen so that the relative connection means not interfere with other parts of the tap (for example the flexible pipes and the fittings) in the introduction through the hole (14) of the surface (11) of the sanitary.

The fixing system of the present invention can advantageously form a kit contained in a blister pack in which can be transported, stored and placed in retail stores. In other words, blisters containing the rod (2), the tubular element (5) and the screw means (4), or blisters containing the rod (2) and the tubular element (5) provided with means may be provided with screws defined by its lower portion (54). Furthermore, there may be blister packs containing both the rod (2) and the tubular element (5) in a single body or divided into several parts to be joined at the time of installation. The blister can also contain a series of bushings (29), similar to those described above, designed to constitute a reducer or adapter to allow the threaded rod (2) supplied with the blister to be used by associating it with a rod (2′) already existing with a tap. The blister for containing the fixing system may also contain a series of hexagonal-section fittings (85), which will be described later together with FIG. 37, designed to define reducers to be able to equip the substantial totality of taps on the market. A method for fixing a tap (10) to the plane (11) of a washbasin according to the present invention provides to use a tubular element (5) which can be fitted on the threaded rod (2) and shaped so as to be pushed by means of screw means (4, 54) against said plate (3) so as to achieve the fixing of the tap (10) by moving the screwing point below, i.e. in an area far from the plate (3), by a value corresponding to the length of the tubular element (5). The method in question can be implemented using the system as described and/or claimed and/or illustrated in the present patent application.

In the FIGS. 13 to 23 are represented some possible embodiments of the present invention in which the association between the tubular element (5) and the threaded rod (2) is made by means of a threaded body (59) inserted inside the tubular element (5). In practice, according to these examples, to fix the tap to the sink plane (not visible in the drawings) it is sufficient to fit the tubular element (5) on the threaded rod (2) by engaging the thread of the threaded body (59) with the thread of the threaded rod (2). The rotation in one direction or the other of the tubular element (5) determines the screwing or unscrewing between the two elements. The threaded body (59) is integral with the tubular element (5) in the rotation movement.

In the drawings, for example in FIGS. 15 and 23, (D5) indicates the value of the internal diameter of the tubular element (5), diameter which is such as to allow the same element to be fitted onto the rod (2).

The screwing and unscrewing operations can be facilitated thanks to knobs, handles or other gripping means to facilitate the maneuvering.

In particular, in the examples of and FIGS. 13-18, the fixing system (1) comprises a knob (61) or (63) which can be fixed to the tubular element so as to be integral with the latter.

In FIGS. 13-17 the knob (61) consists of a cylindrical body provided with a cavity (60) which can be fitted on one of the two ends of the tubular element (5). Two engagement elements or pins (67) are provided in the cavity (60), pins which are sliding in corresponding radial seats (69) presented by the body of the knob (61). The engaging elements or pins (67) are pushed towards the inside of the cavity (60) by springs (66). In practice, the reaction force of the springs (66), whose direction of action is indicated by the double arrow (F), pushes the pins (67) towards the inside of the knob (61). The tubular element (5) is provided, at both ends, with two pairs of holes (68) in which the free ends of the pins (67) can be accommodated when the knob (61) is fitted on the end of the tubular element (5). In order to fixing the tap, before fitting the tubular element (5) on the threaded rod (2) (which in turn is screwed to the seat 102 provided on the base 103 of the tap), the knob (61) is fitted on one of the ends of the tubular element (5), temporarily overcoming the reaction of the springs (66) until the pins (67) are inserted in the seats (68). The insertion of the sliders (67) in the seats (68) makes the knob (61) integral with the tubular element (5). Subsequently, the tubular element (5) is fitted onto the threaded rod (2) and the thread of the threaded body (59) engages the corresponding thread of the rod (2), allowing screwing. For unscrewing operations, it is sufficient to turn the knob (61) in the opposite direction to that of the screwing.

Advantageously, the threaded body (59) can be positioned in the tubular element (5) in an intermediate zone but not equidistant from the two ends. In other words, the threaded body (59) is placed in an intermediate point of the tubular element (5) such as to divide the longitudinal development of the same tubular element (5) into two parts (L1, L2) having different length.

In the drawings (L1) and (L2) indicate the possible different values which can take the distances of the body (59) from the ends of the element (5) as a function of the length of the threaded rod (2); the values of (L1) and (L2) correspond to values slightly higher than the length of the threaded rod (2) to allow the element (5) to be screwed onto the rod (2) carrying out a stroke as limited as possible; in practice, in this way the screwing and unscrewing operations are accelerated by using a single element, consisting of the tubular element (5).

The positioning of the threaded body (59) in the element (5) at a point not equidistant from the ends (50) and (51) of the element (5) allows to use the same tubular element (5) in association with threaded rods (2) of different lengths.

The thread presented by the threaded body (59) allows the use of the tubular element (5) in both configurations (i.e. by placing one of the ends 50 or 51 at the top or at the bottom) without having to change the direction of rotation for screwing and unscrewing.

In the example of FIGS. 18 and 19, the knob is made up of a cylindrical body (63) provided with a septum (64) which can be inserted in corresponding slots (65) presented in pairs diametrically opposed by the tubular element (5) at the two ends. The insertion of the septum (64) into the slots (65) determines the constraint in the rotation movement between the knob (63) and the tubular element (5). The axial sliding constraint between the knob (63) and the tubular element (5) is determined by resolvable fixing means (67, 66) which comprise two engagement elements or pins (67) presented by two elastic rods (66) and insertable in corresponding pairs of seats (68) provided on the element (5). In practice, while in the example of FIGS. 13-17 the engagement elements are the pins (67) pushed by the springs (66), in the present case the engagement elements are constituted by the free ends (67) of the elastic rods (66). The coupling of the knob (63) with the element (5) is therefore determined by the insertion of the septum (64) in the slots (65) and by the corresponding insertion of the engagement elements (67) in the holes (68).

Also FIGS. 20, 21, 22 and 23 relate to an example of embodiment of the invention in which the association between a tubular element and a threaded rod is made by means of a threaded body (59) inserted inside the tubular element. In particular, the screwing operations and unscrewing are facilitated by a manoeuvring pin (70) which can be inserted passing through a pairs of holes (68) placed diametrically opposed on the tubular element (5) in correspondence of its two ends.

In the example of FIG. 20 the pin (71) is provided with a constraint means consisting of a retaining portion (72) which increases in one end section of the pin (70), not allowing at the same pin (70) to cross the hole (68); in the example of FIG. 23 the pin is free i.e. without any means for constraining its sliding in the seats (68).

FIG. 22 shows a particular example of embodiment of the manoeuvring pin (70); in this case the pin (70) is provided with two knobs (73) which protrude radially from the element (5) offering a suitable gripping means in the screwing and unscrewing operations. In particular, one or both the knobs (73) can be provided with a threaded seat (74) which allows screwing on a corresponding thread (75) presented by the pin (70) and the consequent reversible fixing between the same pin (70) and the knob (73). The possibility of detaching the knobs (73) from the pin (70) allows the same pin (70) to be positioned at one or the other of the ends of the tubular element (5). In other words, the fixing system (1) is provided with gripping means which comprise a pin (70) which can be inserted in a pair of seats (68) formed by through holes arranged opposite in correspondence with a cross section of said tubular element (5), said pin (70) being provided with fastening means (72, 73) adapted to constrain, at least in one direction, the sliding of the pin (70) with respect to said seats (68) and said fastening means can advantageously consisting of the knobs (73).

In the drawing of FIG. 22 it is provided that the perforated seats (68) are arranged at different heights of the tubular element (5). This feature allows the positioning of the pin (70) (and the relative supported knobs 73) at different heights providing a further increase in utility in those cases where there are obstacles under the sink that could interfere with the same pin and the relative knobs in the rotation movement, necessary for unscrewing and screwing.

FIG. 23 shows an enlarged detail showing a possible way of fixing the threaded body (59) to the tubular element (5). In practice, once the threaded body (59) is inside the tubular element (5), it is possible to slightly squeeze the tubular element (5) (as indicated by the recess 591 presented by the element 5 and the corresponding recess 590 presented by the external part of the threaded body 59) to restrict the internal section of the element (5) so as to constrain the body(59) to it.

The specific fastening between the threaded body (59) and the tubular element (5) indicated in the detail of FIG. 23 is obviously not limiting since other embodiments of this constraint are possible.

Even in the example of FIG. 23, as well as in the example of FIGS. 20-22, the body (59) is not placed exactly in the center of the longitudinal development of the tubular element (5), i.e. it is spaced by different values, such as to determine different values of the distances (L1) and (L2). In addition, in FIG. 23 is the reference (30) indicates a possible gasket or washer that can be used to improve tightening; the reference (3) indicates a fixing plate in a similar way to others of the attached drawings.

In the example of FIG. 24 is visible a knob (61) provided with a cylindrical outer surface knurled or scalloped to facilitate gripping when the knob is fixed to an end of the tubular element (5). The knob (61) is provided with a section with a smaller diameter (610) which can be inserted inside the tubular element (5); on the section (610) there is a pin (67) which is pushed outwards (see arrow F) so as to be stably housed in a corresponding seat (68) of the tubular element (5). The outward thrust of the pin (67) can be achieved by means of elastic means not shown in FIG. 24.

FIGS. 25-27 show a knob (61) provided with a knurled or scalloped external cylindrical surface to facilitate the grip when the same knob is fixed to one of the ends of the tubular element (5). Also in this case the knob (61) is provided with a section with a smaller diameter (610) which can be inserted inside the tubular element (5); in this case, a fixed pin (67) extending outwards is provided on the section (610). The pin (67) is housed in a corresponding “T” shaped seat (68) of the tubular element (5). In particular, the tubular element (5) is provided with two “T” seats (68) at its ends (50, 51), seats (68) which are open towards the end of the same tubular element (5), i.e. have the vertical side (68A) of the “T” oriented along the longitudinal development of the tubular element (5) and accessible from below and respectively from above of the tubular element (5) according to the fixing side of the knob (61). The height of the “T”, i.e. the length of the section (68A) of the seat (68) corresponds to the distance between the base of the section (610) and the pin (67). To constrain the knob to the tubular element (5), is sufficient to insert the pin (68) into the “open” part of the “T” seat (68) until the same pin contacts the housing portion (68B) defined by the horizontal arms of the “T”; at this point, the rotation of the knob (61) with respect to the tubular element (5) will be limited by the two limit stops constituted by the ends of the housing portion (68B) of the seat (68). In practice, once the section (610) is completely inside the tubular element (5), the knob (61) can be used to rotate the same tubular element (5). Even in vertical position, the knob (61) will remain constrained in the axial direction because it is retained thanks to the presence of the pin (67) inserted in one of the arms of the housing portion (68B).

FIGS. 28A, 28B and 29 show another possible embodiment of a threaded body (59) which can be inserted inside the tubular element (5) with the possibility of being arranged in different positions along the longitudinal development of the same tubular element. In practice, the threaded body (59) is integral with the tubular element (5) when the latter is rotated in the screwing/unscrewing operations, and it can be positioned stably in longitudinally differentiated positions. The threaded body (59) is provided with an internal thread (59A) complementary to the thread (25) presented externally by the threaded rod (2). The outer part (59B) of the threaded body (59) can slide along the inner walls of the tubular element (5) in the positioning phase of the body (59) inside the tubular element (5). In this embodiment, a pin (59C) extends from the threaded body (59) which passes through a groove (501), which can be made for example by milling (501) and which extends along the longitudinal development of the element tubular (5). Preferably, the groove (501) can extend up to one end (51) of the tubular element (5); this allows to easily insert the tubular element (5) a bushing (8) that will be described later, but, above all allows to prepare with more ease the threaded body (59) to be inserted inside. A clamping ring (510) is provided near the end (51), equipped with a relative knob (511) to clamp the bush (8) (not shown in FIG. 28 A) once the latter was introduced into the end (51).

In the alternative embodiment illustrated in FIG. 28B, the tubular element (5) is provided at its end (51) with a threaded portion (512) on which an annular or handwheel body (513) can be screwed, equipped with an internal thread (514) complementarily shaped, so to strengthen the element tube (5) and at the same time allows to effectively operate on the faucet nut (not shown). The example also shows some holes (520) arranged along the tubular element (5) which can be threaded or through to block the rise of the threaded body (59) in addition or replacement of the action of the lateral screw (59C) mentioned above.

The pin (59C) has a threaded end on which a small knob (502) is screwed. The reference (503) indicates the axis of the pin (59C) around which the knob (502) rotates which can be screwed to lock the threaded body (59) inside the tubular element (5). The embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 allows to use the fixing system for rods (2) of different length using the same tubular element (5). In practice, during use, it is possible to fit the tubular element (5) on the rod (2) and move the threaded body (59) along the groove (501) until engaging the thread of the rod (2) to fix the position of the threaded body (59) by screwing the knob (502) until the same threaded body (59) is tightened on the tubular element (5) making the two elements integral.

In the example of embodiment of FIG. 30, the tubular element (5) is composed of two portions (5′, 5″) which allow to extend the element itself telescopically. A portion (5′) is arranged internally and can slide inside the other portion (5″). In the connection area there is a clamping device comprising an external bushing (505) which is screwed onto a threaded wedge-shaped element (504) which tightens the portion (5′) arranged internally; it is understood that the means of clamping may also be made differently from what is illustrated.

Still in this last embodiment, several holes could be provided along the tubular element (5) in one of which it is possible to pass an insert with the function of blocking the ascent of the internal threaded body (59). Of course, other types of tightening are also possible. In the example of FIG. 30, the threaded body (59), adapted to be screwed onto the threaded rod (2), is arranged near the upper end (51) of the tubular element (5). In particular, a step (506) is formed inside the upper portion (5′), below which the threaded body (59) is fixed. The reference (59A) indicates the thread of the threaded body (59) which engages with the corresponding thread (25) presented by the threaded rod (2).

In FIG. 31 a knob (61) is fixed to the tubular element by means of screw means which in the example consist of a “STEI” screw or headless screw.

In the example of FIGS. 32 and 33 the tubular element (5) is provided with an internal hexagonal bush (8) suitable for unscrewing a nut (82) possibly present on a threaded rod. This is a further possibility provided by the fixing system (1) object of the invention usable when it is necessary to unscrew a nut (82) present on the threaded rod (2) of a tap already assembled. In fact, as it will described subsequently with reference to FIGS. 34 and 35, using the present invention it is however possible to tighten the threaded rod (2) of a tap already assembled and provided with a nut (82) which has become loose and does not guarantee a sufficient degree of tightening.

The bush (8) shown in the example of FIGS. 32 and 33 is made up of a hollow body whose internal surface is suitable for coupling with the external surface of the nut (82). In the example, the bush (82) has an internal hexagonal shape for unscrewing a hexagonal nut (8) screwed onto the rod (2). In the detail at the top of FIG. 32 it is shown with the arrow (K) in a discontinuous section how the upper end (51) of the tubular element (5) is fitted onto the rod (2) to unscrew the nut (82). The same tubular element (5) can be provided with two bushes (8) of different conformation in order to unscrew nuts (82) of different sizes. Obviously, the conformation of the bush (8) corresponds to the nut (82) to be unscrewed.

The bush (8) is integral with the tubular element (5) which is provided with manual gripping means (not shown) to allow rotation during the unscrewing and screwing operations. In FIG. 33 is highlighted that the internal diameter (D8) of the hexagonal bush (8) does not interfere with the introduction of the rod (2) when the threaded body (59) must be screwed onto it. In fact, the threaded body (59) has an internal diameter (D59) corresponding to the diameter (D2) of the rod (2) and therefore the rod (2) can pass through the bushing (8) without problems.

As anticipated, in FIGS. 34 and 35 it is shown how it is possible to use the present invention to tighten the threaded rod (2) of an already mounted tap and provided with a nut (82) which is loose and does not guarantee a sufficient degree of tightening.

FIG. 34 schematically shows a threaded rod (2) screwed into the relevant seat (102) provided on the base (103) of the tap. The plate (3) is fitted on the rod (2) and the nut (82) is screwed. In particular, the nut (82) is loose and a space (80) is present between the plate (3) and the lower face of the washbasin (11). The loosening of the nut (82) determines problems in the use of the tap; for example, the tap may swing. In FIG. 35 it is shown how the problems related to the loosening are eliminated with the present invention. According to the invention, the tubular element (5) is fitted onto the threaded rod (2) with the threaded body (59) screwed onto the same threaded rod (2); in this way the tubular element (5) pushes upward the plate (3) which abuts against the lower face (11) of the washbasin, thus determining the fixing of the tap. In FIGS. 34 and 35 the tap is not illustrated and is schematically represented by its base (103), which is provided with the threaded seat (102) suitable for receiving the threaded rod (2).

In the example of FIG. 36, a further example of application of the present invention is shown in which a tubular element (5) is fitted on a threaded rod (2). The threaded rod (2) is screwed to the seat (102) provided in the base (103) of the tap. A threaded sleeve (88) is screwed onto the rod (2), below the tubular element (5) and to the same threaded sleeve (88) is fixed, for example by welding, a tubular body (89) intended for the passage of the tubes of the water. Two nuts (86) and (87) are screwed onto the rod (2) below the tubular element (5) and a knob (61) is fixed to the lower end of the rod (2). The rotation of the knob (61) will cause an upward thrust of the two nuts (86) and (87) which will consequently push the tubular element (5) against the lower part (11) of the washbasin, where it can advantageously be provided a gasket or plate (11). This solution allows to use the system in question also on other types of taps for which the standard fixing foresees a threaded rod.

In the example of FIG. 37, a further example of application of the present invention is shown in which the tubular element (5) has a hexagonal section. In addition to the tubular element (5), two possible examples of construction of fittings (85) are visible for connecting the system in question to existing nuts fixed to corresponding threaded rods. In practice, each of the fittings (85) is provided with two portions (85A) and (85B) which can be coupled, respectively, with the profile of the tubular element (5) and with a nut (82) previously screwed on a threaded rod (not shown in this figure). The system may comprise a blister pack or containment box in which in addition to other constituent parts of the system (1) previously described, may be contained a series of fittings (85) corresponding to unscrew nuts (82).

The fitting (85) may be differently shaped according to the nut (82) to be unscrewed and the shape of the tubular element (5) to be coupled to. For example, the fitting may consist of the bushing (8) described above when it is intended for a circular section tubular element (5). It is also understood that the details of execution may in any case vary in an equivalent manner in the form, size, arrangement of the elements, nature of the materials used, without however departing from the scope of the idea of solution adopted or of the inventive concept and therefore remaining in the limits of the protection granted by this patent. 

1. Fixing system for fixing a tap (10) to the plane (11) of a washbasin, tap (10) provided with at least one water inlet (101) and a seat (102) to house the upper end of a threaded rod (2) designed to pass through a hole (14) of said plane (11) and an underlying fixing plate (3) to be fixed by means of screw means arranged screwed on said threaded rod (2) with screwing direction directed upwards i.e. against said fixing plate (3) to clamp said plane (11) between the same plate (3) and the base of the tap (103) arranged above the plane (11); fixing system (1) characterized in that comprises a tubular element (5), which can be fitted on said threaded rod (2), and manual gripping means (4; 55; 61; 63; 70; 73) acting on said screw means so as to push said tubular element (5) against said plate (3) for securing the tap (10) by moving downward the screwing point between the screw means and the threaded rod (2), i.e. in an area far from the plate (3).
 2. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) is internally threaded in its lower portion (54) in a complementary way to said threaded rod (2), said manual gripping elements being constituted by a or more appendixes (55; 61; 63; 70; 73) protruding from said tubular element (5).
 3. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said threaded rod (2) is made up of at least two portions (2′, 2″) that can be stably associated.
 4. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (3) is made of at least two portions (5′, 5″) that can be stably associated.
 5. (canceled)
 6. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a fitting (113) for said at least one water inlet (101), said fitting (113) protruding inferiorly from the base (103) of the tap to lower the point where a water inlet pipe (104) is screwed to the same inlet (101), wherein said fitting (113) is of male type so as to allow the screwing on it of a tube (104) with female connection.
 7. (canceled)
 8. Fixing system according to claim 6, characterized in that said fitting (113) is provided with means conformed to allow its idle rotation to facilitate the screwing on it of a water supply pipe (104).
 9. (canceled)
 10. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a container or blister that contains a threaded rod (2), a tubular element (5) and screw means (4; 54).
 11. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) has a length greater than that of said threaded rod (2), and is provided in its interior with a threaded body (59) screwable on said rod (3) so as to realize the fixing of the tap (10) and in that said threaded body (59) is placed in an intermediate point of said tubular element (5) such as to divide the longitudinal development of the same tubular element (5) in two parts (L1, L2) of different length.
 12. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said manual gripping means comprise a pin (70) which can be inserted in a pair of seats (68) formed by through holes arranged opposite in correspondence with a cross section of said tubular element (5), wherein said pin (70) is provided with constraining means (72, 73) adapted to constrain, at least in one direction, the sliding of the pin (70) with respect to said seats (68).
 13. (canceled)
 14. (canceled)
 15. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the gripping means comprise a knob (61; 63) provided with resolvable means of fastening (66, 67) to the tubular element (5), wherein said resolvable means of fastening (66, 67) comprise one or more pins (67) provided on the knob (61; 63) which are pushed under the action of spring means (66) in corresponding one or more seats (68) presented by the tubular element (5).
 16. (canceled)
 17. (canceled)
 18. (canceled)
 19. (canceled)
 20. (canceled)
 21. (canceled)
 22. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) is provided inside with a threaded body (59) which can be screwed onto said rod (2) so as to achieve the fixing of the tap (10) with the tubular element (5) fitted on the rod (2).
 23. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) is provided inside with a threaded body (59) which can be screwed onto said rod (2) so as to achieve the fixing of the tap (10) with the tubular element (5) fitted on the rod (2), wherein said threaded body (59) is placed in an intermediate point of said tubular element (5) such as to divide the longitudinal development of the same tubular element (5) into two parts (L1, L2) of different length.
 24. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) is provided inside with a threaded body (59) which can be screwed onto said rod (2) so as to achieve the fixing of the tap (10) with the tubular element (5) fitted on the rod (2), wherein said threaded body (59) is placed in an intermediate point of said tubular element (5) such as to divide the longitudinal development of the same tubular element (5) into two parts (L1, L2) of different length. wherein said manual gripping means comprise a pin (70) which can be inserted in a pair of seats (68) formed by through holes arranged opposite in correspondence with a cross section of said tubular element (5).
 25. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) is provided inside with a threaded body (59) which can be screwed onto said rod (2) so as to achieve the fixing of the tap (10) with the tubular element (5) fitted on the rod (2), wherein said threaded body (59) is placed in an intermediate point of said tubular element (5) such as to divide the longitudinal development of the same tubular element (5) into two parts (L1, L2) of different length. wherein said manual gripping means comprise a pin (70) which can be inserted in a pair of seats (68) formed by through holes arranged opposite in correspondence with a cross section of said tubular element (5). And wherein said pin (70) is provided with constraining means (72, 73) adapted to constrain, at least in one direction, the sliding of the pin (70) with respect to said seats (68).
 26. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) is provided inside with a threaded body (59) which can be screwed onto said rod (2) so as to achieve the fixing of the tap (10) with the tubular element (5) fitted on the rod (2), wherein said threaded body (59) is placed in an intermediate point of said tubular element (5) such as to divide the longitudinal development of the same tubular element (5) into two parts (L1, L2) of different length. wherein said manual gripping means comprise a pin (70) which can be inserted in a pair of seats (68) formed by through holes arranged opposite in correspondence with a cross section of said tubular element (5), and wherein said pin (70) is provided with constraining means (72, 73) adapted to constrain, at least in one direction, the sliding of the pin (70) with respect to said seats (68), and wherein said constraining means (73) comprise two knobs (73) which can be fixed to the ends of said pin (70) and protrude outside said seats (68).
 27. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) is provided inside with a threaded body (59) which can be screwed onto said rod (2) so as to achieve the fixing of the tap (10) with the tubular element (5) fitted on the rod (2), wherein said threaded body (59) is provided with fastening means (502, 59C) to the tubular element (5) adapted to constrain the threaded body (59) to the tubular element (5) according to different stable positions differentiated along the longitudinal development of the latter.
 28. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that said tubular element (5) is provided inside with a threaded body (59) which can be screwed onto said rod (2) so as to achieve the fixing of the tap (10) with the tubular element (5) fitted on the rod (2), wherein said threaded body (59) is provided with a bushing (8) which can be fitted on screw means (82) arranged screwed on said rod (2) to act on the latter.
 29. Fixing system according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a bush (29) having at least two different threads (29A, 29B, 29C, 29D) so as to be associated with rods (2) provided of corresponding threads. 